The WhatsApp Business API is a powerful tool that allows businesses to communicate with their customers on the WhatsApp messaging platform. It offers features such as automated messaging, chatbot integration, customer support, and more, to enhance your business's engagement and service capabilities.

The WhatsApp Cloud API is a cloud-hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API. It allows businesses to send and receive messages without the cost of hosting their own servers. The Cloud API is also more scalable than the On-Premises API, making it a good choice for businesses that want to reach a large number of customers.

WhatsApp Cloud API Provider

A WhatsApp Cloud API provider offers a cloud-based solution for businesses to utilize the WhatsApp Business API. This provider hosts the WhatsApp Business API on their servers and provides businesses with an API to send and receive messages through WhatsApp.

Using a WhatsApp Cloud API provider offers several advantages. It is cost-effective since businesses don't have to invest in their own servers, saving them money. Additionally, businesses only need to pay the Conversation Charges directly to Meta and do not have to incur extra charges for a third-party tool. It is also scalable, allowing businesses to easily handle an increased volume of messages without infrastructure concerns. Lastly, it provides a secure solution with industry-standard encryption to protect data during transmission and storage.

BSP (Business Solution Provider)

A BSP, or Business Solution Provider, offers a self-hosted solution for businesses to utilize the WhatsApp Business API. In this case, businesses host the WhatsApp Business API on their servers and receive an API to send and receive messages through WhatsApp.

Business Solution Providers (BSP) generally charge higher monthly fees and commission in the form of Conversation charges compared to WhatsApp Cloud API providers.

As per Whatsapp Commerce Policy, there are certain type of Business which are not allowed to apply for Whasapp Business API. Visit the following link to know about the restricted Industries, Goods & Services from registering on Platform. https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/commerce-policy/

- Facebook Business Manger

- Website (with SSL Certificate, Privacy Policy and Terms of services page)

- Professional Mail ID with domain name

- Business Registration Proof (GST Certificate/incorporation document)

- Credit or Debit card for payment (with international transaction enabled)

- Phone number (Which is not active in Whatsapp or Whatsapp Business)

If you don't follow WhatsApp's messaging rules and keep violating them, WhatsApp might initially limit your usage. If you continue to violate the rules repeatedly, they can permanently ban your account. For more detailed guidelines, refer to the official documentation provided by WhatsApp. https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/overview/policy-enforcement